Single Use Logistic Glider

Abstract

A disposable airdropped glider. The glider body is constructed from precut panels cut from (MDO) or (HDO) plywood and assembled with pocket-screw joinery or piano hinges. A skid board forms a landing surface and a cargo deck roll-off surface. The glider has pivoting wings and struts. The glider has a triple-tail, a flat nose and honeycomb paperboard panels between the nose and the cargo. Wings are pivoted from a position overlying the fuselage to a flying position by gas springs in wing spars which are compressed by a chain attached to the fuselage through a rotating bracket such that the gas springs are compressed when the wings are folded. The airfoils are plastic extrusions with openings that hold the wing spars and co-formed jury spars which attach the upper and lower surface of the wing. A parachute uses a part of the tail structure to form a deployment drogue.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 400,527 filed Sep. 27, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein.STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT[0002]This invention was made with government support under contract number D16PC0011 awarded by DARPA. The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the resupply or delivery of payload by airdrop or gliders.[0004]In tactical combat defending a hardened position, or engaging the enemy behind their lines has considerable tactical advantage. In the defense of a hardened position the defenders are considerably less exposed to fire than the attackers and thus can withstand a superior enemy. Further, if the enemy cannot reduce such a hard position and bypasses the position, it leaves an active fighting force in its rear, which either ties dow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a low-cost glider that can be dropped from an aircraft and glide to a landing point up to 130 statute miles away. The glider is made from precut panels made from medium density overlay (MDO) plywood or high density overlay (HDO) plywood, which are joined with one inch self-tapping pocket hole screws. The use of pocket screws eliminates the need to access the inside of the joint, allowing the cargo space in the fuselage to be closed from the exterior. The invention provides an expendable logistic delivery glider that is low-cost.

Problems solved by technology

Further, if the enemy cannot reduce such a hard position and bypasses the position, it leaves an active fighting force in its rear, which either ties down considerable enemy forces, or leaves the defenders capable of conducting sorties to cut supply lines and to conduct attacks from the rear.

However, conventional approaches can often deliver the supplies to the enemy or subject valuable and limited assets to enemy fire.

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